UC Books to Prisoners seeks an Outreach Coordinator to recruit, train, and support volunteers in this growing organization. This is a 12 month, full-time Americorps position with the possibility of renewal funded through the Serve Illinois State Americorps program.
Title: Books to Prisoners Outreach Coordinator
About the Books to Prisoners Project:
UC Books to Prisoners, a project of the Urbana Champaign Independent Media Center, is a volunteer-run program that facilitates book donation to prisoners in the state of Illinois. Our mission is:
- provide books to inmates in Illinois by recycling donated books
- facilitate a quality volunteer experience
- offer a venue for inmates to tell their own stories
- educate ourselves and our community about prisons
We have sent over 48,000 books to approximately 7,600 inmates in the state of Illinois. By writing to the Books to Prisoners program, inmates throughout Illinois are able to request books that meet their needs and interests. Volunteers then match their requests with books from our collection. Books to Prisoners maintains this collection through books donated by community members and donors. Many prisoners have written to thank the program for allowing them to develop literacy and educate themselves during their incarceration. The Books to Prisoners program has also implemented and staffed lending libraries in our two Champaign County jails.
Job Summary:
The primary responsibility for the Outreach Director is capacity building for UC Books to Prisoners. This effort will focus on three important elements critical to the success of the organization.
-Staff development (50%)
The Outreach Coordinator will recruit and sustain core volunteers who will be able to make a continuing commitment to the oversight of BTP. This will involve cultivating relationships with current volunteers, and planning speaking engagements with community groups to attract new volunteers, especially those likely to engage with BTP over a longer period.The Coordinator will develop systems to sustain the workflow of the program, so that volunteers fully cover work sessions, jail library shifts, and special events, including book sales and community book drives.
-Communication. (30%)
The Coordinator will maintain current communication strategies and develop new ways for BTP to communicate within the organization (newsletters, email, web announcements, etc.) and outside the organization (public speaking, media events, etc.)
-Fundraising (20%)
The Coordinator will research and pursue fundraising opportunities from a variety of sources: local and state foundations, community groups such as churches and service groups, a BTP membership program, and special events. The Coordinator will take the lead role on grant proposal writing, drawing on the assistance of BTP keystaff where needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:
-Minimum of GED or High School degree required.
-Ability to work well with other volunteers and the public.
-Ability to promote the mission of BTP with large and small groups, through oral presentations and print materials.
-Familiarity with computers and spreadsheets. Willing to learn publishing software for print materials (like Adobe InDesign.)
-Ability to establish priorities, work independently, and proceed with objectives without supervision.
Special Requirements:
-Willing to work on a flexible schedule, with some evening and weekend hours. Work week will run Tuesday – Saturday.
-The Outreach Coordinator will be supervised by BTP keystaff and he/she will meet monthly with all keystaff.
